06/02/2026
If you were born in September 1961, your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period officially begins June 1, 2026.
This is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part
B. Your window runs from June through December.
If you are already drawing Social Security, Medicare usually starts automatically and your Medicare card should be arriving in the mail.
If you are not drawing Social Security yet, you usually need to start the Medicare enrollment process yourself through ssa.gov.
This is especially important if you are still working, covered by your spouse's employer plan, have retiree coverage, COBRA, VA benefits, Tricare, an HSA, or you are not sure whether Medicare should start right away.
Turning 65 does not always mean you have to take every part of Medicare immediately, but it does mean you need to understand your options before your deadline passes.
Before you enroll, compare your current employer coverage to Medicare. Look at the monthly premium, deductible, copays, prescription costs, provider networks, HSA rules, and whether your current coverage is considered creditable.
If you were born in September 1961 and you are confused about Medicare enrollment, Part B, employer insurance, Social Security, Medicare cards, or when to start Medicare, this is your sign to get the conversation started. Let's compare the numbers before you make a decision.
